Gas Station Heroin: What You Need to Know About Tianeptine
You are here:Reports of incidents linked to the anti-depressant, Tianeptine, have risen to over 400 per year since 2015. The FDA warns people to avoid any products that may contain the drug due to the potential for severe health risks.
Tianeptine is not a familiar drug, so you should learn more about what it can do and what to expect if you are exposed to it. Just because it is available at your nearby convenience store doesn’t mean it is safe.
What Is Tianeptine?
Many countries approve Tianeptine as an anti-anxiety and antidepressant medication. However, due to growing evidence of health risks associated with the drug, it is not FDA-approved for any medical use here in the United States.
Even though Tianeptine is not approved for medical use, it is available at gas stations, smoke shops, and online. The powder form is promoted as a dietary supplement and as a substance to treat anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. It also claims to enhance cognition, decrease appetite, and improve sexual performance.
Tianeptine is sold in convenience stores in liquid form with the brand name Neptune’s Fix Elixir, ZaZa, or Tianna Red. It is also known as gas station heroin. Many states have officially banned the drug, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee. However, drug dealers always find a way to get around these restrictions.
How Is It Used?
Small doses of Tianeptine may relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome. High doses produce a feeling of euphoria and can be fatal.
Some people combine Tianeptine with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other drugs to enhance the effects. Typically, the preferred method of use is to orally ingest the pill form that resembles hydrocodone or oxycodone. However, it is also available in liquid form and may be used intravenously.
Is Tianeptine Addictive?
Tianeptine is an atypical tricyclic antidepressant that produces opioid-like effects, similar to heroin and morphine. Like other opioids, Tianeptine is highly addictive and can be deadly. It works by binding with the brain’s opioid receptors to enhance mood. With repeated use, Tianeptine abuse causes withdrawal symptoms when the use of the drug is abruptly stopped. This effect is usually the first sign of addiction.
The warning signs of Tianeptine addiction include needing more to feel normal, the inability to taper off use, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Tianeptine withdrawal symptoms vary in severity based on frequency of use, dosage, time of ingestion, and the presence of other substances. These are some of the most common Tianeptine withdrawal symptoms :
Physical withdrawal symptoms:
- Dizziness, headaches
- High blood pressure
- Flu-like symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Fever
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Cramps
Psychological withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Confusion
- Moodiness
- Suicidal ideation
Although Tianeptine is not an opioid, evidence suggests that Narcan (Naloxone) may help reverse Tianeptine toxicity or overdose.
Side Effects of Tianeptine
Like most other drugs, Tianeptine misuse can produce a range of physical and psychological side effects which include, but are not limited to:
- Stomach distress
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Increased tolerance to the drug
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Overdose, coma, death
In addition to the above, some people experience side effects such as respiratory depression, cardiovascular issues, and neurological problems.
If you suspect Tianeptine toxicity or overdose, administer naloxone, call your local poison control center, or call 911 if the individual has trouble breathing or is unconscious.
Treatment for Tianeptine Addiction at Design for Change Recovery
Design for Change Recovery provides customized treatment plans that you or a loved one can count on. We ensure a distraction-free, comforting environment where you will receive the highest level of care, regardless of the substance involved. Our compassionate, certified specialists have years of experience in helping people overcome substance abuse.
As part of our continuum of care, we provide various evidence-based, JCAHO-accredited treatment options. We are in-network with many major insurance companies to help you get affordable, effective treatment.
At Design for Change, you’ll have access to a variety of programs including outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient, intensive inpatient, partial hospitalization, and aftercare programs. We also offer short-term or long-term programs, based on your unique situation.
Among the many therapy options we offer, you will participate in some or all of the following:
- Detoxification
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Holistic Therapy
- Family Therapy
- First Responders Wellness Programs
Contact our Lancaster, CA facility today to learn more about our treatment programs for Tianeptine addiction. One of our knowledgeable staff will answer your questions and help you choose a personalized path to recovery. With our expertise and your determination, an addiction-free future is possible.
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Tianeptine, an Antidepressant with Opioid Agonist Effects: Pharmacology and Abuse Potential, a Narrative Review
mayoclinic.org/– Tianeptine: Is Safe Use Possible?
